THE WILD EIFEL

TOMORROW’S PRIMEVAL FOREST – THE EIFEL NATIONAL PARK

The first and so far only national park in North Rhine-Westphalia is the green heart of western Germany and the setting of an intriguing experiment. Three-quarters of the park area – formerly commercial forest – is being left to its own devices. Nature is regaining its sovereignty. Dead trees stand where they died, branches break off and tree trunks rot on the woodland floor. What’s emerging here is a primeval forest of the future, which is already providing a unique habitat, especially for timid, reclusive creatures. A successful exercise in nature conservation in the midst of an environment shaped by human beings.

TEAM
Written and directed by: Herbert Ostwald // Camera: Erik Sick // Film editor: Isabelle Albert // Additional footage: Robin Jähne, Gerd Herren, Heinrich Pützler, Hans-Jürgen Zimmermann // Sound: Bastian Barenbrock, Martin Ziebell, Luana Knipfer, Ralf Gromann, Daniel Hallmann // Music: Mark Joggerst // Sound design: Karl Atteln // Sound mix: Alexander Weuffen // Commentary: Philipp Schepmann // Colour Correction: Dany Schelby // Production assistant: Laura Bleifuß // Production manager: Katja Sträter // Executive producer: Thomas Weidenbach, Sarah Zierul // Commissioning editor: Gabriele Conze